The time for talking is almost up, as Texas A&M looks to avenge last year’s loss and topple the South Carolina Gamecocks at Kyle Field in Week 12.
Head coach Mike Elko has led the Aggies to a historic 9-0 record in just his second season at the helm, but the aspirations are much higher for the program this time around. Texas A&M has taken the “8-4” stigma and run over it with a bulldozer in the form of one of the most talented rosters in college football.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Marcel Reed is leading the charge offensively with his impressive Heisman campaign, throwing for 2,193 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for 378 yards and six scores on the ground. While the Aggies’ offense ranks No. 17 in FBS so far this season, the defense is also playing on an elite level, led by defensive end Cashius Howell, who leads the Southeastern Conference with 10.5 sacks.
The visitors from Columbia have caught some unlucky breaks in 2025, including a closely contested Week 9 matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide, but have the talent to compete with any team in the league. South Carolina’s dual-threat signal-caller LaNorris Sellers has proven to be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the country and will provide a massive challenge for the Texas A&M defense this week.
Here are five storylines to watch as the Aggies seek their 10th consecutive win of this year’s campaign in Bryan-College Station, Texas, on Saturday:
While his statistics don’t jump off the charts, Sellers is still one of the most talented dual-threat quarterbacks in the SEC. Just three weeks ago, against Alabama, the redshirt sophomore from Florence, S.C., threw for 222 yards and a touchdown, while also recording 67 yards and a score on the ground. The Gamecocks’ offensive line, which ranks 15th in the conference with 34.0 sacks allowed in 2025, has some areas that the Texas A&M pass rush could expose to pressure Sellers.
Entering this year’s ventures, Stewart was one of the most highly touted players in college football. His production has decreased compared to last season, but he remains a dominant and intimidating force for any offensive line facing him. Texas A&M’s offensive line has been consistently impressive against some of the best defenses in the league, and that will need to carry over against Stewart, who has recorded 3.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss.
KC Concepcion and Mario Craver have made their case to be one of the best wide receiver duos in the country in the Maroon and White. The pair has combined for 1,404 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Aggies, while also contributing greatly in the special teams category. Texas A&M’s wideouts will be matched up against a South Carolina secondary that has reeled in nine interceptions during this year’s campaign.
In the absence of running back Le’Veon Moss, electric backs like sophomore Rueben Owens II and freshman Jamarion Morrow have dominated on the ground for the Aggies. Owens shredded Missouri’s defense for 102 yards and two touchdowns in the 38-17 thumping of the Tigers in CoMo last Saturday. The recent performances from the Texas A&M running back room could spell trouble for South Carolina’s defense, which is allowing 153.7 yards per contest so far.
Harbor is one of the most physically gifted wide receivers in the country and could provide some massive adversity to the Aggie secondary on Saturday. The junior from Washington, D.C., has hauled in 21 receptions for 401 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. Texas A&M ranks sixth in the SEC with 281 passing yards allowed per game, which could be exposed by Harbor if he can create enough space for Sellers on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M football’s five things to watch for against South Carolina